Tracking ocean plastics using Aerial and Space-borne platforms: Overview of techniques and challenges

Paper number

IAC-18,B1,IP,25,x47928

Author

Mr. Harish Rao Ramavaram, Germany, Julius Maximilians Universität Würzburg

Coauthor

Ms. Swetha Kotichintala, United Kingdom, Space Generation Advisory Council (SGAC)

Coauthor

Mr. Siddhesh Naik, India, Space Generation Advisory Council (SGAC)

Coauthor

Mr. Joshua Critchley-Marrows, United Kingdom, Nottingham Scientific Ltd

Coauthor

Mr. Oniosun Temidayo Isaiah, Nigeria, Federal University of Technology Akure, Ondo state, Nigeria

Coauthor

Ms. Mounika Pittala, India, Space Generation Advisory Council (SGAC)

Coauthor

Ms. Stephanie Wan, United States, Space Generation Advisory Council (SGAC)

Coauthor

Mr. Dennis Irorere, Nigeria, Space Generation Advisory Council (SGAC)

Year

2018

Abstract

Irreparable damage is being caused to marine life of about 1 million seabirds and 100,000 marine mammals per year, with a rising tide of ocean plastics. It is estimated that there is approximately 8 million tons dumped into the oceans every year, with 46,000 pieces of plastic per square mile. This paper provides an overview of 3 different techniques that can be used for mapping and tracking marine litter: Airborne, Spaceborne, and GPS tracker buoys.  

Typically, aerial platforms are used to scan ocean surfaces for ocean plastics. Due to the relatively low altitude of the aircraft borne imaging sensor, high resolution imagery can be obtained which facilitates detection of smaller pieces of plastics.  Whereas satellite based remote sensing technique offers wider coverage area and homogeneity of data, though at the expense of resolution of the images making detection of smaller pieces of plastic difficult. Newer techniques like Short Wave Infrared (SWIR) and Hyperspectral Imaging can improve the accuracy of detection and standalone GPS tracker buoys would aid in tracking.

This paper will also address the socio-economic challenges of industries with direct impact viz., fishing and provide the economic and societal benefits of space and aerial technologies with detection. The policy recommendations will also cover the mitigation of this issue and help drive environmental discussions forward.

Abstract document

IAC-18,B1,IP,25,x47928.brief.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-18,B1,IP,25,x47928.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

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